Payments to SNF residents. State surveyors are advised that many Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries will receive payments of about $250 under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (PubLNo 111-5). Residents of skilled nursing facilities (SNF) whose funds are managed by the SNF may not be aware that the payment is for their personal use; it is not considered income for purposes of eligibility for Medicaid or other programs. The facility must not apply the payment toward the cost of care. Surveyors should take care to examine the facility's records concerning resident funds under facility control and to investigate any complaints about access to or receipt of the funds as they would any other allegation of mismanagement or appropriation of resident funds.
CMS Letter to State Survey and Certification Agencies, No. S&C-09-38, May 15, 2009.
For more information on this and related topics, consult the CCH® Medicare and Medicaid Guide.
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